It has been confirmed the GO Outdoors store in The Brook will shut its doors for the final time as soon as this month after a failed agreement with the landlord. In yet another devastating loss for Chatham town centre, the camping and outdoor goods retailer will close the store at 6pm on Saturday, 8 August. However, it is understood that the closure is not linked to the Covid-19 pandemic. Instead it is believed that JD Sports - the owner of the GO Outdoors business - was unable to renegotiate with the store's landlord, and therefore 'couldn't come to an agreement'. A Facebook post published by a member of staff at the Chatham branch revealed the sad news, confirming the GO Outdoors stores in Tonbridge, Canterbury and Lakeside will remain open. "This is yet another body blow for Chatham Town Centre..." Chatham Central ward councillor Vince Maple told us: "This is yet another body blow for Chatham Town Centre after recent closures of Debenhams & Buzz Bingo.
"Thoughts with staff at this difficult time." Chatham's GO Outdoors store first opened its doors on 26 March, 2016, in the building previously occupied by Tesco after the superstore closed in 2015. It created 60 jobs for local people and was one of the retailer's first 'cycle concept stores', offering customers a huge range of bikes for all abilities and cycling workshops with trained enthusiasts. The news of the closure comes just weeks after it was announced that Buzz Bingo has also shut its Chatham branch, just opposite the GO Outdoors store. Over half a year later, the former Debenhams store in Chatham High Street continues to stand empty, leaving a huge gap in the heart of the town centre. Some 22 jobs will be lost at the GO Outdoors store, although it is not yet known what the future holds for the soon-to-be empty building.
Brad Selby
6/8/2020 22:37:41
22 Jobs have been lost at the store. 10 of us were original members of staff from yhe beginning.
Steve Quayle
10/8/2020 22:49:06
Really sad, great store, brilliant staff, great gear. Comments are closed.
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